Liverpool team predicted to face Qarabag in the Champions League at Anfied.
Liverpool aim to book their spot in the last 16 of the Champions League when they welcome Qarabag to Anfield (20.00 GMT).
The Reds sit fourth in the European standings and a top-eight finish will guarantee that they evade the knockout play-off phase. Certainly, that is something that Arne Slot will be desperate to avoid.
Liverpool head into match-day eight with a depleted squad, with Ibrahima Konate (compassionate leave), Joe Gomez (hip), Alexander Isak (broken leg), Conor Bradley, Giovanni Leoni (both knee), Jayden Danns, Stefan Bajcetic (both hamstring) and Calvin Ramsay (ineligible) unavailable.
But despite having limited players, fans want to see improvement. The 3-2 defeat by Bournemouth last weekend has meant that the Reds have slipped out of the Premier League top four. The inconsistent results are frustrating, although Liverpool have been much better in the Champions League than domestically.
With Slot’s side facing Newcastle United on Saturday, there are several decisions for the head coach to make. With everything in mind, here’s the Liverpool predicted team to face Qarabag.
GK - Alisson Becker
The Liverpool goalkeeper has come in for some scrutiny for Bournemouth’s winning goal, but he made some big saves in the Marseille win.
RB - Jeremie Frimpong
The Netherlands international was on pre-match media duties, which is always a big hint that he will be starting. He is Liverpool’s only right-back, after all.
CB - Ryan Gravenberch
Wataru Endo is the likeliest to feature but Slot may feel that it will be a game where his defence sees a lot of the ball so Gravenberch could drop into the rearguard.
CB - Virgil van Dijk
Liverpool’s captain will again have to feature for 90 minutes, something that Slot said should not be going underestimated. Van Dijk needs to bounce back after his poor performance at Bournemouth.
LB - Andy Robertson
Slot has insisted that Liverpool’s vice-skipper will not be departing this month amid interest from Tottenham. Robertson will be hoping that he plays more minutes from now until the end of the season.
CM - Dominik Szoboszlai
Emerged as Liverpool’s talisman this season and showed that again with his free-kick at Bournemouth.
CM - Curtis Jones
Had been in decent form before being dropped to the bench for the past two games. It was somewhat of a surprise and Jones may have a point to prove.
RW - Mo Salah
Been underwhelming in both games since coming back from the African Cup of Nations, especially at Bournemouth. If Salah does not improve then Slot may have a tough decision to make.
AM - Florian Wirtz
Subdued at Bournemouth but the £100 million summer signing was entitled to an off-day given his recent form. Also more suited to playing in Europe.
LW - Rio Ngumoha
Came off the bench at Bournemouth and added a spark. The 17-year-old would be deserving of being handed a full Champions League debut.
ST - Hugo Ekitike
Slot admitted that he reluctantly had to put the France international on the bench at Bournemouth, having recently had a hamstring problem.
Mamardashvili, Woodman, Kerkez, Nallo, Mac Allister, Nyoni, Chiesa, Gakpo, Morrison.
Continue Reading